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First Solar

Development Engineering Intern - Perovskite Metrology (m/w/d)

Become a Development Engineering Intern at First Solar in Perrysburg, USA. Work on characterizing perovskite solar cells and modules while gaining hands-on experience in a dynamic environment. Enjoy a flexible internship that allows you to balance classes and work. Competitive hourly pay ranges from $18.00 to $25.00.
First Solar
First Solar
Perrysburg, United States   On-site   Internship   USD 18–25 per hour  UTC-05:00

First Solar

Company Overview

First Solar, Inc.

Tempe, AZ, United States

1999

Approximately 7,000 employees globally (source: linkedin.com).

What They Do

First Solar specializes exclusively in thin-film photovoltaic solar technology, utilizing cadmium telluride (CdTe) semiconductors to manufacture large-format glass-glass modules. Their flagship products, the Series 6 Plus and Series 7 modules, are designed to produce electricity with a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to conventional crystalline silicon panels. This innovative approach allows First Solar to use only 2% of the semiconductor material per watt, completing production in just 4.5 hours per module under one roof, ensuring full traceability throughout the manufacturing process (source: investing.com). The company also engages in project development, operations and maintenance services, and offers complete PV solar power systems for third-party buyers, featuring innovative under-mount frames for quick installation and an in-house global recycling program that achieves a remarkable 90% recovery rate of semiconductor and glass materials (source: pvo-int.com). Their target markets include utility-scale developers, independent power producers, and commercial firms across various regions, including the United States, Europe, India, and the Middle East (source: investigate.afsc.org). As the largest solar manufacturer in the Western Hemisphere, First Solar is recognized as a Tier 1 producer, emphasizing energy security through domestic production and significant investments in research and development (source: hubspotusercontent-na1.net).

Projects & Track Record

First Solar has an impressive track record, having powered over 5,500 MW of large-scale solar plants across major European markets since 2005. Notable projects include supplying 104,000 panels to the Kalia solar farm in the occupied West Bank and 40,000 panels to Israel's largest solar farm located in the Ramat Hovav Industrial Zone (source: pvo-int.com). The company is currently expanding its manufacturing capabilities with a new 3.5 GW facility in Ohio that became operational in early 2023, and a $1 billion factory in Alabama set to begin operations in 2025. Additionally, First Solar is launching a plant in Tamil Nadu, India, expected to start production in late 2023, further enhancing its global capacity and supporting the anticipated growth in solar energy demand (source: hubspotusercontent-na1.net). The company’s strategic partnerships with utility-scale operators and system owners worldwide have solidified its position as a leader in the solar manufacturing sector (source: investing.com).

Recent Developments

In the past two years, First Solar has made significant strides in expanding its manufacturing footprint. In August 2022, the company announced a $1 billion investment for a new 3.5 GW manufacturing facility in Alabama, which is set to commence operations in 2025. This expansion is part of a broader strategy to increase U.S. solar output to over 10 GW DC by 2025, creating approximately 15,000 indirect jobs and contributing an estimated $3.2 billion in economic value (source: hubspotusercontent-na1.net). The company has also begun construction on its first factory in India, located in Tamil Nadu, which is expected to start operations by late 2023. First Solar continues to maintain its status as the only U.S.-headquartered company among the top 10 global solar manufacturers, with a strong emphasis on research and development, having invested over $1.5 billion since 2010 (source: pvo-int.com).

Working There

First Solar offers a diverse range of roles across various departments, including engineering, product management, sales and marketing, operations, and manufacturing. The company’s headquarters in Tempe, AZ, serves as the hub for executive leadership and key teams, while its manufacturing facilities in Ohio and the upcoming Alabama site focus on production-scale growth (source: salestools.io). The corporate culture at First Solar emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, supported by open-plan offices, flexible seating arrangements, and wellness facilities. The company prioritizes employee well-being and professional growth, creating an environment that attracts top talent (source: salestools.io). Comprehensive benefits are offered to employees, although specific details regarding packages are not extensively documented in available sources (source: salestools.io).

Contact


Last updated on 2025-12-26 | Report an issue

Job Description

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.

Basic Job Scope

Leading the world's sustainable energy future, First Solar interns work around the globe/country in research and development, marketing, project development, information technology, engineering, energy services and much more. When you work at First Solar, you will be challenged every day and provided real world experience. You will be given the opportunity to find new solutions and develop new skills to further advance your skillset. At First Solar we strive to foster a culture that encourages innovation through collaboration, urging colleagues to take smart risks, learning from failures and course correcting, and owning personal accountability for contributing to our mission.

Expected Length of Internship

  • 4 months (Winter/Spring 2026).
  • As an internship company, we allow flexibility to enroll in classes while working as an intern, as long as it doesn't interfere with the essential functions of the position.

Education/Experience

  • Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate program.
  • Pursuing Physics or Electrical engineering.
  • Experience of working in hands-on technical settings, lab experience is a plus.
  • Experience in data analysis software like JMP and additional knowledge of programming is a plus.
  • First Solar encourages all interns to register their internship with their university.

Required Skills/Competencies

  • Good knowledge of physics concepts, experience in collecting data from experiments.
  • Experience with solar cells/photovoltaics preferred.
  • Ability to analyze data, present it in an effective manner periodically to team leaders, collaborate with other team members and be open to adapt to new challenges.
  • Effective communicator with good oral and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently, self-motivated, independent worker who can flourish in individual or team-based environments.
  • Ability to make data-driven decisions.
  • Independent learner with a passion for gaining new skills and knowledge.
  • Agile mentality, responds well to a fast-paced work environment.
  • Experience with fundamental Microsoft technologies: Windows OS, Office 365, etc.

Basic Internship Scope (Project)

  • Intern will work with project engineers to characterize prototype perovskite solar cells and modules. May also include developing and executing new test methods and test structures.
  • Intern will be involved in metrology for perovskite solar cells and study of its reliability.
  • Perform tests & monitor established procedures, compile data and analyze the results of said data, then communicate the results/conclusions to the above engineer.
  • Provide weekly updates on the status of the assigned project to the above engineer.
  • Upon the completion of this internship, the intern is required to present their accomplishments and project summary to the leadership team.

Estimated Salary Range

  • $18.00-$25.00 Hourly.

US Physical Requirements

  • Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day.
  • Will climb stairs or steps on a frequent basis.
  • Will lift up to 58 pounds on an occasional basis, according to work instruction.
  • Will lift up to 37 pounds on a frequent basis.
  • Will push or pull up to 50 pounds of force on an occasional basis.
  • Will push or pull up to 37 pounds of force on a frequent basis.
  • Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis.
  • 20/40 vision in both eyes (with or without correction) and the ability to distinguish between red, yellow, and green is required.
  • May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.
  • May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis.
  • Must comply with all safety standards and procedures.
  • Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including, but not limited to: steel-toed shoes, cut-resistant gloves, jackets, aprons &/or arm guards, safety glasses or goggles, hearing protection & respirators) and a condition of employment and continued employment (may require little or no facial hair).

All positions in our office require interaction with people and technology while either standing or sitting. To best service our customers, internal and external, all associates must be able to communicate face-to-face and on the phone with or without reasonable accommodation. First Solar is committed to compliance with its obligations under all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. In keeping with this commitment, it attempts to reasonably accommodate applicants and employees in accordance with the requirements of the disability discrimination laws. It also invites individuals with disabilities to participate in a good faith, interactive process to identify reasonable accommodations that can be made without imposing an undue hardship.

Potential candidates will meet the education and experience requirements provided on the above job description and excel in completing the listed responsibilities for this role. All candidates receiving an offer of employment must successfully complete a background check and any other tests that may be required.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: First Solar is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our company.

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About the role

November 17, 2025

Internship

Company

January 2, 2026

On-site

USD 18–25 per hour

First Solar

firstsolar.com

  •  Perrysburg, United States

Undergraduate student

UTC-05:00

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